Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is damaged but does not require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. auto key replacement cost is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. car replacement key -cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.